An award-winning Glasgow charity has secured a grant to help vulnerable mothers facing childbirth alone.

Amma Birth Companions, founded in 2019, offers support to pregnant women in difficult circumstances, including refugees and asylum seekers.

According to a study, a third of the women they help are survivors of trafficking.

The charity has received a £10,000 grant from the HFD Charitable Foundation.

The money will be used to train more volunteers to provide non-medical assistance to women during late pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

The charity's efforts are crucial in helping women who might otherwise have to give birth alone.

Many of these women face language barriers, cultural differences, and social isolation, which can limit their access to essential services.

Volunteers at Amma Birth Companions undergo a comprehensive 50 to 70-hour training programme over six weeks, with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care.

They come from various backgrounds, including retired midwives, medical students, and even former clients who want to give back.

Since its inception, the charity has seen the demand for its services double annually, positively impacting the lives of more than 500 women.

One client said: "My companion came to visit me at home before and after the birth of my child.

"She gave such emotional support, she was like a sister, more support than I even imagined I could get.

"She always answered my questions, always went past what I expected.

"I couldn’t ask for more."

In addition to its volunteer programme, the charity also offers antenatal classes and runs a peer support group called ‘Amma Family’.

These services are a 'lifeline' for many clients, particularly those new to Glasgow, having arrived from all over the world, including countries like Syria and Afghanistan.

Abigail Stein, head of partnerships and fundraising at Amma Birth Companions, said: "Giving birth and caring for a newborn is daunting for any mother, but especially for those who may be facing it alone or are unable to communicate with healthcare staff.

"The support from HFD has been crucial in ensuring our companion volunteers are well-prepared to provide effective and compassionate care.

"Many of our clients come from diverse backgrounds and speak various languages, which makes understanding their experiences more complex.

"Through training, we empower our volunteers to build trust and set healthy boundaries while offering both emotional and practical support to those in need."

Lauren McKenzie, ambassador for the HFD Charitable Foundation, added: "The work of Amma Birth Companions is invaluable to its clients.

"The volunteer programme not only helps women through the challenges of pregnancy and childbirth but also provides a lifeline for those facing isolation and uncertainty.

"At the HFD Charitable Foundation, we are proud to support initiatives like this, which are making a tangible and lasting difference in local communities, helping women and families who might otherwise be overlooked."